OT - Buying an 'Unlocked' cell phone

[S2M]

Does anyone know the pros and cons in buying an unlocked phone? Sprint is dragging it's heels launching the HTC Touch Diamond II, and I have the opportunity to buy an unlocked one from a website, then dumping Sprint altogether.....

I've done a little research and some people say unlocking a phone can be bad as far as some of the features can be rendered useless....I'm undecided.

Is there anyone with DIRECT experience with purchasing an unlocked phone?

[chynablue]

Does anyone know the pros and cons in buying an unlocked phone? Sprint is dragging it's heels launching the HTC Touch Diamond II, and I have the opportunity to buy an unlocked one from a website, then dumping Sprint altogether.....

I've done a little research and some people say unlocking a phone can be bad as far as some of the features can be rendered useless....I'm undecided.

Is there anyone with DIRECT experience with purchasing an unlocked phone?

I've never purchased an unlocked phone, although I have unlocked two of my own phones (on AT&T) before going to Europe. I was told that they have to provide the codes to you BY LAW, even though they may be reluctant to do so. I just called their support line and told them I was going to Europe for a few months and needed to unlock the phone. They gave me easy instructions without much fuss. Try it.

[Don]

Sprint doesn't use a GSM system so if you buy an unlocked version of that phone, chances are it won't be compatible. Unlocked quad-band GSM phones are good for ATT and T-Mobile but not Verizon, Sprint or MetroPCS. T-Mobile is good about unlocked phones and not blocking features, they even walked my son through setting up his unlocked Iphone internet features. ATT on the other hand is not so friendly about it, from what I've heard.

[livin2do]

I do tech support for cell phones. My company does not allow any COAM (Customer Owned And Maintained) equipment to be activated unless it comes preloaded with our company's specific software. And, since it is not possible to flash that software to a device, that basically means that an unlocked phone is useless to any of our customers.

The other thing I would caution you about is that each carrier has its own roaming lists that get pushed out to their devices. If the device in use cannot receive the correct information for the network, then it could roam in areas that are normally approved by the company you are using. Our policy on this is that we do not support any devices not designed for use on our network, so if this equipment is used and roaming charges are accrued, the customer is solely responsible and the charges are valid. We have people try to use Verizon phones on our network all the time, and I've seen some ridiculous roaming bills that wouldn't have happened if they had used our company's phones.

That being said, some functionality may also be lost as has already been mentioned. I haven't seen this happen with a smartphone like the HTC's, but there is that possibility to be aware of.

[S2M]

I do tech support for cell phones. My company does not allow any COAM (Customer Owned And Maintained) equipment to be activated unless it comes preloaded with our company's specific software. And, since it is not possible to flash that software to a device, that basically means that an unlocked phone is useless to any of our customers.

The other thing I would caution you about is that each carrier has its own roaming lists that get pushed out to their devices. If the device in use cannot receive the correct information for the network, then it could roam in areas that are normally approved by the company you are using. Our policy on this is that we do not support any devices not designed for use on our network, so if this equipment is used and roaming charges are accrued, the customer is solely responsible and the charges are valid. We have people try to use Verizon phones on our network all the time, and I've seen some ridiculous roaming bills that wouldn't have happened if they had used our company's phones.

That being said, some functionality may also be lost as has already been mentioned. I haven't seen this happen with a smartphone like the HTC's, but there is that possibility to be aware of.

Hmmmm....it is my understanding that if you buy the phone from an internet third party - before the phone gets filled with ANY carrier's software - then you are good to go all-around. An unlocked, unbranded phone it what I seek.


Thanks for your response....

[bluejeangirl76]

It doesn't sound like something I would do, but if it were me, I would shop packages/carriers and find out their policies re: unlocked phones before buying one and potentially running into a problem. I don't know enough about phone and software compatibility to comment on that part but these carriers all have the same goal - needing comsumers to purchase their phones.

This my be my "half empty cup" view, but I would expect problems trying to to go around buying a carrier phone, so to me, it's not worth it. But again, I don't know enough about systems, software, etc. so maybe I'm missing some kind of advantage? *shrug*

[perryswoman]

I do tech support for cell phones. My company does not allow any COAM (Customer Owned And Maintained) equipment to be activated unless it comes preloaded with our company's specific software. And, since it is not possible to flash that software to a device, that basically means that an unlocked phone is useless to any of our customers.

The other thing I would caution you about is that each carrier has its own roaming lists that get pushed out to their devices. If the device in use cannot receive the correct information for the network, then it could roam in areas that are normally approved by the company you are using. Our policy on this is that we do not support any devices not designed for use on our network, so if this equipment is used and roaming charges are accrued, the customer is solely responsible and the charges are valid. We have people try to use Verizon phones on our network all the time, and I've seen some ridiculous roaming bills that wouldn't have happened if they had used our company's phones.

That being said, some functionality may also be lost as has already been mentioned. I haven't seen this happen with a smartphone like the HTC's, but there is that possibility to be aware of.

And I own a cell phone company and Ditto to this post. Be careful!!

[S2M]

It doesn't sound like something I would do, but if it were me, I would shop packages/carriers and find out their policies re: unlocked phones before buying one and potentially running into a problem. I don't know enough about phone and software compatibility to comment on that part but these carriers all have the same goal - needing comsumers to purchase their phones.

This my be my "half empty cup" view, but I would expect problems trying to to go around buying a carrier phone, so to me, it's not worth it. But again, I don't know enough about systems, software, etc. so maybe I'm missing some kind of advantage? *shrug*

No offense, but this is wrong. Carriers pass on HUGE discounts to customers in regards to price of phones. For example, the HTC Touch Diamond 2 probably lists for close to $600-$800 retail.....If you purchase the 2-year contract, the carrier willing to eat the retail cost and discount the phone down to say, $300. Cause they'll make up the cost and MORE over the life of the contract....and besides. If they don't discount a phone because I own one already, they make EVERY penny of my contract....so it is really a win-win for everybody.

[bluejeangirl76]

It doesn't sound like something I would do, but if it were me, I would shop packages/carriers and find out their policies re: unlocked phones before buying one and potentially running into a problem. I don't know enough about phone and software compatibility to comment on that part but these carriers all have the same goal - needing comsumers to purchase their phones.

This my be my "half empty cup" view, but I would expect problems trying to to go around buying a carrier phone, so to me, it's not worth it. But again, I don't know enough about systems, software, etc. so maybe I'm missing some kind of advantage? *shrug*

No offense, but this is wrong. Carriers pass on HUGE discounts to customers in regards to price of phones. For example, the HTC Touch Diamond 2 probably lists for close to $600-$800 retail.....If you purchase the 2-year contract, the carrier willing to eat the retail cost and discount the phone down to say, $300. Cause they'll make up the cost and MORE over the life of the contract....and besides. If they don't discount a phone because I own one already, they make EVERY penny of my contract....so it is really a win-win for everybody.

Good point. Ok, well... whatever. Like I said, I'm not up on all this. I didn't even know what an unlocked phone was before I read this. Never known anyone who has bought one.

[Don]

It doesn't sound like something I would do, but if it were me, I would shop packages/carriers and find out their policies re: unlocked phones before buying one and potentially running into a problem. I don't know enough about phone and software compatibility to comment on that part but these carriers all have the same goal - needing comsumers to purchase their phones.

This my be my "half empty cup" view, but I would expect problems trying to to go around buying a carrier phone, so to me, it's not worth it. But again, I don't know enough about systems, software, etc. so maybe I'm missing some kind of advantage? *shrug*

No offense, but this is wrong. Carriers pass on HUGE discounts to customers in regards to price of phones. For example, the HTC Touch Diamond 2 probably lists for close to $600-$800 retail.....If you purchase the 2-year contract, the carrier willing to eat the retail cost and discount the phone down to say, $300. Cause they'll make up the cost and MORE over the life of the contract....and besides. If they don't discount a phone because I own one already, they make EVERY penny of my contract....so it is really a win-win for everybody.

Good point. Ok, well... whatever. Like I said, I'm not up on all this. I didn't even know what an unlocked phone was before I read this. Never known anyone who has bought one.

Like I said in my post, so many people are using unlocked Iphones that T-Mobile customer support has been taught how to walk you through the setup. It makes sense, they are still getting to keep you as a customer while ATT doesn't get to have you as one of theirs, why limit your choice of phone?

[livin2do]

I do tech support for cell phones. My company does not allow any COAM (Customer Owned And Maintained) equipment to be activated unless it comes preloaded with our company's specific software. And, since it is not possible to flash that software to a device, that basically means that an unlocked phone is useless to any of our customers.

The other thing I would caution you about is that each carrier has its own roaming lists that get pushed out to their devices. If the device in use cannot receive the correct information for the network, then it could roam in areas that are normally approved by the company you are using. Our policy on this is that we do not support any devices not designed for use on our network, so if this equipment is used and roaming charges are accrued, the customer is solely responsible and the charges are valid. We have people try to use Verizon phones on our network all the time, and I've seen some ridiculous roaming bills that wouldn't have happened if they had used our company's phones.

That being said, some functionality may also be lost as has already been mentioned. I haven't seen this happen with a smartphone like the HTC's, but there is that possibility to be aware of.

And I own a cell phone company and Ditto to this post. Be careful!!

Since my company was recently bought out by another, I may be looking for work. Any openings!!!???

[livin2do]

It doesn't sound like something I would do, but if it were me, I would shop packages/carriers and find out their policies re: unlocked phones before buying one and potentially running into a problem. I don't know enough about phone and software compatibility to comment on that part but these carriers all have the same goal - needing comsumers to purchase their phones.

This my be my "half empty cup" view, but I would expect problems trying to to go around buying a carrier phone, so to me, it's not worth it. But again, I don't know enough about systems, software, etc. so maybe I'm missing some kind of advantage? *shrug*

No offense, but this is wrong. Carriers pass on HUGE discounts to customers in regards to price of phones. For example, the HTC Touch Diamond 2 probably lists for close to $600-$800 retail.....If you purchase the 2-year contract, the carrier willing to eat the retail cost and discount the phone down to say, $300. Cause they'll make up the cost and MORE over the life of the contract....and besides. If they don't discount a phone because I own one already, they make EVERY penny of my contract....so it is really a win-win for everybody.

Another huge advantage is the warranty/insurances aspect. With us, we can continue to replace your phone and offer complete tech support on it if it was bought through us. Considering Blackberry charges for their support, that is a good benefit! And, we will only insure phones bought through us within the first 14 days after purchase. COAM equipment must go through the insurance company directly and go through a waiting period to even qualify.